(I’m working the counter of the copy center. We are one of the busiest in the metroplex for our company. Because of this, we sometimes have longer turn-times. A customer walks up who needs large-format engineering prints.)

Customer: “I need three of each of these, 24×36 inches.”

Me: “All right, that’s three sets of ten pages, 24×36 inches, black and white. When are you using these?”

Customer: “I need them now. I’m going to wait on them.”

Me: “I’m sorry, but due to the high foot traffic today, we’re not going to be able to have these finished until [three hours from now].”

Customer: “This is unacceptable! I can’t believe you would have this kind of customer service. I come in all the time and I’ve never had to wait!”

Me: “I’m sorry, but we’ve just been slammed all day and are actually double-booked for several times. I’m not sure other orders are going to be finished on time as it is. If I put you before everyone else, it will just exacerbate things.”

Customer: “Well, I’m going to go to [Competitor]!”

Me: “I’m sorry we couldn’t help you today, sir. I hope they are able to finish your order sooner.”

Customer:*extended pause* “When can you have these done again?”

(We get a lot of customers that think we just don’t want to help them out, but we’re genuinely that busy. I guess he was trying to call my bluff.)